Addictions and relapses are complex topics; it’s not easy to know why a person chooses to consume drugs, but today, thanks to the evolution of science and medicine, we know what happens inside the brain of someone who, after drug use, experiences a relapse process. If you want to know more about relapse syndrome, in this article you will find all the information you need.
Addiction as a chronic disease shows a tendency to relapse. Relapses are a reality, and the best way to prevent them is by accepting the risk and being aware of the so-called relapse syndrome.
Relapse in addictions and its process
A relapse is defined as a return to the typical behavioral and thought patterns of active addiction, which had already been overcome (abstinence) and which lead to a return to substance use, reverting to the state prior to recovery. Relapses can be part of the recovery process, not necessarily implying a failure in treatment, but rather a learning experience, so that the person becomes aware that there is something they are not doing well. Abandoning an addiction involves changing deeply ingrained behaviors, which is why it is often easy to revert to them. Typically, the relapse process is formed by risky decisions that the individual makes, and which, connected to each other, build the path to relapse. These decisions, called “relative risk,” seem unimportant but their effect is cumulative and gradually lead the person to an impossible-to-resist point, where drug use will be unavoidable, as the susceptibility margins have been exceeded.
It should be noted that there is an imaginary line, or frequently known as the “point of no return,” after which it is not possible to stop the substance-seeking behavior and, therefore, its use is imminent. However, in the transition zone between the point of no return and use, relapse is primarily behavioral, without the use having occurred yet.
What symptoms a psychotherapist should consider in patients with addictions
Among the symptoms of relapse syndrome in addictions, the following stand out:
– Return to obsessive thinking regarding substance use.
– Insomnia and restlessness, as well as thoughts associated with physical image and money
– Isolation or loss of contact with other people.
– Increased irritability and/or resentment, especially with their close circle
– Floating feelings of depression and anxiety that are not necessarily related to any external event.
– Defiant behavior in relation to the recovery plan, evidenced by the person returning to risky places, contacting people related to use.
– Neglecting the recovery plan by stopping attending meetings, missing therapist appointments, failing to comply with the daily routine plan, etc.
– Frequent arguments at home and with family.
– Defensive attitude when discussing their treatment and recovery
The most evident paradox in relapse is that the more acute the previously mentioned symptoms are, the less capacity the person has to accept criticism/comments/suggestions from those around them.
In this regard, scientific studies on addictions have made it very clear that stress, elements associated with drug experience, and exposure to them are the most common triggers for relapse. However, medications are still being developed to interfere with these triggers to help patients maintain recovery.
ISEP includes specific training in addictions in its Master’s in Clinical and Health Psychology, covering both classic addictions such as drug dependence or alcoholism, and addiction to new technologies.